Meningitis - cryptococcal

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Central nervous system

Cryptococcal meningitis

• Headache
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Mental status change
• Hallucinations

In order to diagnose cryptococcal meningitis, a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) must be performed. This test involves taking a sample of fluid from the spinal column (called cerebrospinal fluid or CSF). The following tests on the CSF allow the diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis:

• CSF stains may show the fungus
• CSF culture grows cryptococcus
• CSF may be positive for cryptococcus antigen

Also, a blood test, the serum cryptococcal antigen test, can be helpful in diagnosing cryptococcus infection, especially in AIDS patients.

Review Date: 09/06/2006
Reviewed By: Hilary M. Babcock, M.D., Medical Director of Occupational Infection Control, Barnes-Jewish and St. Louis Children's Hospitals; Instructor of Medicine, Infectious Disease Division, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.